Lotus: We want to keep Grosjean in 2015

23 July 2014 – Lotus Deputy Team Principal Federico Gastaldi has said it is the outfit's "intention" to retain Romain Grosjean next season.

Last weekend Lotus confirmed that Pastor Maldonado will remain onboard in 2015, but it is still unknown if Grosjean will continue with the team which he has raced for since the start of 2012.

"Romain has been part of the Lotus family for many years, even since his GP2 days," Gastaldi said prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix.

"Let's be honest. Romain as a top, top driver is not happy with the 2014 season and this is mirrored by everyone at the team of course.

"We cannot confirm anything just yet as the timing will be right when we are both comfortable to announce something. All I can say is that it's certainly the intention for Romain to stay at Enstone and continue what has been a great partnership and working relationship."

Gastaldi added that Lotus has to learn from 2014, with the team, which claimed several podiums and a victory last season, having amassed just eight points across the opening 10 races of the season.

"We have to take the lessons from this tough season and apply them to make sure it doesn't happen again," he replied, when quizzed on how much of the team's focus has now shifted next year.

"But we are only 50 per cent of the way through 2014 now, so we are still highly committed to improving our World Championship position and to start scoring more points.

"We know that we have two very accomplished drivers that are always capable of scoring points, but we need to provide them with cars that can achieve that.

"Yes, the plans for next year are in motion and the technical teams are busy on that programme, but for the team it is important to make sure we score more points so we will be chasing everyone all the way until Abu Dhabi in November."

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